Fayetteville State University Appoints Omar O. Bell as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
Fayetteville, N.C. (May 17, 2023) — Fayetteville State University (FSU) has appointed Omar O. Bell as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, effective May 8, 2023. As Vice Chancellor, Bell serves as a member of Chancellor Darrell T. Allison’s cabinet, Executive Director of the FSU Foundation, and directs the activities of the Division of University Advancement in carrying out the mission and strategic priorities of the university.
“We are excited to have Mr. Bell join our leadership team in this crucial role at a time when FSU is experiencing significant growth in our student population and campus infrastructure,” Allison said. “His knowledge and experience working at larger institutions previously will be invaluable as we aim to strengthen and expand our engagement and financial partnerships with alumni, friends, corporate and foundation stakeholders, and community partners. I look forward to working alongside him as FSU endeavors to revitalize our campus, elevate and expand our student services and fortify our academic offerings.”
The Division of University Advancement includes the Office of Development, Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, and Career Services.
In his new role, Bell will provide a concrete vision to develop and accomplish the short- and long-term goals of the Division of University Advancement; provide leadership in areas such as soliciting principal and major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni relations, gift processing and acknowledgements, and prospect research; lead the efforts in a campaign to increase the university’s endowment; and serve as the Executive Director of the University Foundation.
A seasoned advancement professional, Bell comes to FSU with a wealth of experience in education as well as institutional fundraising, having taught physical education and coached youth basketball prior to launching his development career. He has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility and visibility, including as Assistant Director, then Director of Advancement for the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Associate Director of Individual Giving at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C.; and Associate Director of Development for Strategic Markets at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
“I am excited and humbled to lead the advancement efforts at Fayetteville State University, an incredible academic institution serving a broad and impressive array of student populations, including traditional undergraduate and graduate students, adult learners, virtual students, and especially military and military-affiliated students,” Bell said. “They deserve the very best college experience, and we aim to continue building that here.”
Bell is also active in his community, having served on several boards and committees supporting children and youth.
Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Lenoir-Rhyne University.